Axle Coupling Neutral Shift for Towing and Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle assembly control systems face challenges in efficiently disconnecting the electric motor and transmission from the wheel hub, particularly when the vehicle control system is inoperative or unable to power the actuator, necessitating a method to manually or externally control the coupling to a neutral position for towing or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An external shift control device is electrically connected to the vehicle, commanding an actuator to move the coupling to a neutral position, disconnecting the electric motor from the wheel hub and allowing for the decoupling of the transmission and differential assembly, utilizing an external power supply and potentially bypassing the vehicle's control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle control system is used to control the actuator, then the coupling can be moved to neutral position, but the system fails when the vehicle control system is inoperative or unable to power the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
An external shift control device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the actuator. This external device includes its own power supply and control circuitry, allowing it to independently command the actuator to move the coupling to neutral position without relying on the vehicle's control system. The external device essentially mediates the control function when the vehicle control system is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into two independent parts: the vehicle's internal control system and the external shift control device. Each can operate independently to control the actuator. This segmentation allows the external device to take over when the vehicle control system fails, improving reliability without requiring a completely redundant system.
2Ease of operation
If manual disassembly is performed to disconnect components, then the wheel hub can be disconnected from upstream components, but time and costs associated with disassembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical disassembly process is replaced with an electrical control system. Instead of manually disconnecting mechanical couplings and components, the external shift control device sends electrical commands to an actuator that automatically moves the coupling to neutral position, electrically and mechanically disconnecting components through controlled actuation rather than manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling is moved to neutral position for towing, then unpowered movement is enabled, but the vehicle control system cannot be relied upon
Solution Approach 1:
The external shift control device acts as an intermediary control system that can independently move the coupling to neutral position for towing operations. It includes its own power supply and control logic, serving as a reliable mediator when the vehicle's primary control system cannot be trusted or is unavailable during towing scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shift control device and method of controlling an axle assembly of a vehicle. The method includes electrically connecting a shift control device to the vehicle and commanding, with the shift control device, an actuator to move a coupling of the axle assembly to a neutral position, thereby disconnecting an electric motor from a wheel hub.